Post Reports

The cafeteria at Ballard High School during lunch is a loud place. Students are talking and laughing, playing card games and going out to the courtyard for an informal recess. On Fridays, students have started playing bingo.It’s a big change from the past couple of years — and it’s not the only one. In the first month of school this year, students took out 67 percent more books from the school library than the same month last year.Today on the show, we interview psychologist Jean Twenge, author of the new book “10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World.” Listen to our episode about the young people giving up their smartphones.Today’s show was produced by Maggie Penman and Rennie Svirnovskiy, who also mixed the show. It was edited by Allison Klein.Subscribe to The Optimist here. And if you want more optimistic stories in your podcast feed, write to us at [email protected]. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Schools and community programs in Washington, D.C., are teaching students to play go-go music to help extend the legacy of the official music of the District.Producer Sabby Robinson spoke with enterprise reporter Marissa Lang about the history that these students are keeping alive and the impact the programs are having. Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Maggie Penman and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Carolyn Hax has been an advice columnist for The Washington Post for over 25 years. So, she’s seen, heard and read it all. There’s no family drama and no question too bizarre for the seasoned columnist. That’s especially true during the holiday season, when some relationships get tested more than usual.Today on the show, host Elahe Izadi brings Carolyn into the studio to answer some reader questions, putting her to the test on some tough holiday scenarios.Today's episode was produced by Sabby Robinson and Josh Carroll. It was mixed by Sam Bair. It was edited by Reena Flores and Haben Kelati.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

In an executive order last week, President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to reclassify marijuana as a less-dangerous substance. The drug is currently considered Schedule I, which is the most tightly controlled tier of illegal substances. Trump’s order would direct the Justice Department to move marijuana into Schedule III, a less-restricted class of drugs. Host Martine Powers speaks with health reporter David Ovalle about what this move means for consumers, scientists and business owners. Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff. It was edited by Ariel Plotnick and mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Christopher Rowland.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Donating money can induce anxiety if you’re not sure how to afford it or feel pressured into doing so by the people around you. “Try This” host Cristina Quinn talks to Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary about how to give back, whether it’s through money or time. Singletary reminds us that there’s always a way to give. She explains how to think through where you want to give, how to afford it and how to commit to giving year-round. Singletary also shares her personal experiences and passion for why she gives, how to make sure you’re giving to a legitimate charity, and what you will experience when you give back. For more of her work, sign up for her "Color of Money newsletter and follow her on Instagram. Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.